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SUIMA’s Culture Day on Friday, Feb. 4, included Tim Ryder helping the elementary boys make their own drumsticks while the girls learned to tie fringe onto a shawl.
Destiny Valdez is getting help to tie on her fringe from SUIMA Principal, Mari Jo Owens.
Sheila Nanaeto sings for the early childhood students in the classroom on Culture Day.
Photo Credit: courtesy SUIMA
Photo Credit: courtesy SUIMA
Photo Credit: courtesy SUIMA
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Kwanachigani pɵˈɵkwatʉ – Eagle’s Nest

Wednesday - February 9, 2022 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

To help keep our students, families, and staff safe we require masks/face coverings on the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) campus.  Minor adjustments are in place at SUIMA so that we follow the current SUIT Covid requirements of Phase II, Level 3.

‘apagha nuu

With SUIMA staff members meeting bi-weekly to practice their Ute, as well as some staff participating in the Southwest Indigenous Language Development Institute, there has been huge progress as we revitalize the Ute language.  Not only are the staff using the language more, so are the students.  As we accept the dialects of all the sister tribes and work through which word will be used, everyone has become more comfortable and willing to take chances.  Some of the staff are more “fluent” than others but we are all beginning learners.

We have a wonderful team of Ute Language instructors who are encouraging and learning right alongside of us. As you can see by the phrases included in this article, using base words, and building on what is known, is helping us with this journey.

If anyone has a desire to learn more, please go to the website ‘Speak Ute Now’ as we have compiled basic sounds, phrases, and songs to help you learn.

Nuu’apaghapi – Ute phrases  

  • mɵ’ɵvi – hand
  • pʉ’ivʉ – eyes
  • mɵvɵt’ɵpʉ – nose
  • tʉpavi – mouth
  • ‘anɵwiini mɵ’ɵvi?  Wáyni mɵ’ɵvi.   How many hands? Two hands.
  • ‘ʉmʉ pʉ’ʉm punikya? Pui’i.  What do you see with? Eyes.
  • ‘ʉmʉ pʉ’ʉm ‘ugwikya? mɵvotʉ.    What do you use to smell? Nose.
  • ‘ʉmʉ pʉ’ʉm kamaytuk? Tapáa.  What do you use to taste? Mouth.
  • ‘agha-vaa mʉ nʉka-vʉ? Máy nʉka-vʉ. Where is your ear? Say “ear.”
  • ‘agha-vaa mʉ sɵvaavʉ? Máy sɵvaa-vʉ. Where is your cheek?  Say “cheek.”
  • ‘agha-vaa mʉ matak’avi? Máy matak’a-vi. Where is your forehead? Say “forehead.”
  • ‘agha-vaa mʉ kanaqhopʉ? Máy kanaqho-pʉ. Where is your chin? Say “chin.”
  • ‘agha-vaa mʉ sapʉ-vʉ? Máy sapʉ-vʉ. Where is your stomach? Say “stomach.”

A special phrase in Ute, not just for Valentine’s Day but for every day: Piyen, Múan, nu piyɵmichi. Mom, Dad, I love you.

Upcoming events

  • Feb. 14: Classroom Valentine card exchange
  • Feb. 14-17: Family conference week
  • Feb. 18: No school
  • Feb. 22: No school
  • Feb. 22: Parent Advisory Group meeting
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